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Brian Hamm
and
Nerissa C. Brown, PhD CFE
The objective of Financial Statement and Ratio Analysis for MBAs is to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze, interpret, understand, and use financial information to make informed decisions. We will discuss financial reporting from a user’s perspective, use a variety of tools to break apart financial reports into meaningful units for analysis, forecast financial statements, and value a firm. This course is intended to give you exposure to the issues facing users of financial statements. You will better understand your role in the financial reporting process if you know how the financial statements will ultimately be used.
Read more
The objective of Financial Statement and Ratio Analysis for MBAs is to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze, interpret, understand, and use financial information to make informed decisions. We will discuss financial reporting from a user’s perspective, use a variety of tools to break apart financial reports into meaningful units for analysis, forecast financial statements, and value a firm. This course is intended to give you exposure to the issues facing users of financial statements. You will better understand your role in the financial reporting process if you know how the financial statements will ultimately be used.
Read more
The objective of Financial Statement and Ratio Analysis for MBAs is to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze, interpret, understand, and use financial information to make informed decisions. We will discuss financial reporting from a user’s perspective, use a variety of tools to break apart financial reports into meaningful units for analysis, forecast financial statements, and value a firm. This course is intended to give you exposure to the issues facing users of financial statements. You will better understand your role in the financial reporting process if you know how the financial statements will ultimately be used.
Financial Statement and Ratio Analysis for MBAs will require you to think critically about issues for which there can be more than one “correct” answer. Hence, your analysis and conclusions must be based on sound assumptions and well-constructed analysis and arguments.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/35kgoo/financial
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What's inside
Syllabus
Course Orientation
You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.
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Syllabus
Course Orientation
You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Ideal for MBAs who want to comprehend and use financial information for informed decision-making
Covers a wide range of concepts, including financial reporting, ratio analysis, and accounting quality
Taught by experts Brian Hamm and Nerissa C. Brown, PhD, CFE, with a proven track record in financial analysis
Involves critical thinking and analysis, challenging learners to form their own conclusions
May require external resources for a comprehensive understanding of certain advanced concepts
Assumes prior foundational knowledge in accounting principles, which may not be suitable for absolute beginners
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Reviews summary
Foundational financial analysis for professionals
According to students, this course offers a solid foundation in financial statement and ratio analysis, making it particularly beneficial for accountants and finance professionals. Learners frequently praise the instructor's clear explanations and ability to simplify complex topics, especially concerning SEC filings, accounting quality, and various financial ratios. The content is described as practical and relevant for career development. However, some learners, particularly those with prior experience, found certain parts to be too introductory or the overall depth to be superficial for advanced users. A common suggestion is for more hands-on application, including real-world case studies and more analytical quizzes, to enhance the learning experience beyond theoretical concepts.
Provides essential skills for financial statement analysis relevant to careers.
"This course significantly enhanced my ability to interpret financial statements for my job. Highly recommend for finance professionals."
"This course provided a solid foundation in financial statement analysis. Modules 4 and 5 on Balance Sheet and Income Statement Ratios were particularly strong."
"A very useful course for understanding how financial statements are used. The section on SEC filings was particularly enlightening, as was the module on accounting quality."
"It's a solid course for those entering the field or needing a strong refresh."
Instructor effectively clarifies complex financial concepts for application.
"The instructor's explanations of accounting quality and SEC filings were very clear and easy to follow."
"The instructor makes complex topics accessible. I particularly liked how the course emphasized the 'why' behind the numbers."
"As someone transitioning into a financial analyst role, this course was exactly what I needed. The clear explanations of SEC filings and the practical approach... were invaluable."
"I learned so much about interpreting financial statements... The instructor is knowledgeable and engaging."
Some examples use slightly older data, which could be updated.
"I also noticed that some of the examples used slightly older data, which, while not fundamentally incorrect, felt a bit dated. An update to more current data would be beneficial."
Desire for more hands-on practice and interactive learning elements.
"I would suggest adding more practical exercises or quizzes that truly test understanding beyond simple calculations."
"The course felt a bit dry and theoretical at times. I struggled to connect the concepts to real-world scenarios. More hands-on application would improve it greatly."
"I wished for more interactive elements. The instructor's delivery, while clear, lacked engagement."
"I think the quizzes could be more analytical and less about rote calculation."
Course may lack sufficient depth for experienced professionals.
"While the content is relevant, I felt some parts, particularly the early modules on basic accounting principles, were a bit too introductory for someone with a finance background."
"The course promised in-depth analysis but felt superficial. I have some prior experience, and it didn't add much to my knowledge."
"Good as a refresher, perhaps, but I hoped for more advanced applications and nuanced scenarios right away."
"It's a great start, but not a complete deep dive for advanced users."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Financial Statement and Ratio Analysis for Accountants with these
activities:
Review basic accounting principles
Show steps
Reviewing basic accounting principles can help you understand the financial statements more easily.
Browse courses on
Financial Statement Analysis
Show steps
-
Review your notes from your introductory accounting course.
-
Read a book or article about basic accounting principles.
-
Complete a few practice problems.
Organize your notes and materials
Show steps
Organizing your notes and materials can help you study more effectively.
Browse courses on
Financial Statement Analysis
Show steps
-
Create a folder for your financial statement analysis materials.
-
Organize your notes by topic.
-
Keep copies of your practice problems and presentations.
Review Corporate Finance: Theory and Practice
Show steps
Review Corporate Finance theory to prepare for course.
View
EBOOK Fundamentals of Corporate Finance
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read Chapter 1 to get a general overview of corporate finance.
-
Read Chapters 2 and 3 to review time value of money.
-
Read Chapters 4 and 5 to provide a review of the different types of financial securities.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Read and analyze the textbook
Show steps
By studying the textbook, you can get a solid foundation in the principles of financial statement analysis.
View
The Little Book of Picking Top Stocks: How to...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read each chapter carefully and take notes.
-
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
-
Attend class and participate in discussions.
Complete practice questions on financial statement analysis
Show steps
Answering practice questions can help you test your understanding of financial statement analysis.
Browse courses on
Financial Statement Analysis
Show steps
-
Find practice questions in your textbook or online.
-
Complete the practice questions and check your answers.
-
Review the questions you answered incorrectly.
Attend a financial conference or webinar
Show steps
Attending a financial conference or webinar can help you learn more about financial statement analysis and network with other professionals.
Browse courses on
Financial Statement Analysis
Show steps
-
Find a financial conference or webinar that is relevant to financial statement analysis.
-
Register for the conference or webinar.
-
Attend the conference or webinar and take notes.
-
Follow up with any contacts you made at the conference or webinar.
Review notes and practice problems
Show steps
Doing practice problems can help you apply the principles of financial statement analysis and improve your understanding.
Browse courses on
Financial Statement Analysis
Show steps
-
Review your notes from class and the textbook.
-
Work through the practice problems in the textbook.
-
Attend office hours and ask questions.
Write a summary of a financial statement
Show steps
Summarizing a financial statement can help you understand the key financial data and trends.
Browse courses on
Financial Statement Analysis
Show steps
-
Choose a financial statement (e.g., balance sheet, income statement).
-
Identify the key financial data and trends.
-
Write a clear and concise summary.
Create a presentation on a financial ratio
Show steps
Creating a presentation on a financial ratio can help you understand how to calculate and interpret financial ratios.
Browse courses on
Financial Statement Analysis
Show steps
-
Choose a financial ratio (e.g., current ratio, debt-to-equity ratio).
-
Calculate the financial ratio using data from a financial statement.
-
Interpret the financial ratio and explain its significance.
Review basic accounting principles
Show steps
Reviewing basic accounting principles can help you understand the financial statements more easily.
Browse courses on
Financial Statement Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes from your introductory accounting course.
- Read a book or article about basic accounting principles.
- Complete a few practice problems.
Organize your notes and materials
Show steps
Organizing your notes and materials can help you study more effectively.
Browse courses on
Financial Statement Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create a folder for your financial statement analysis materials.
- Organize your notes by topic.
- Keep copies of your practice problems and presentations.
Review Corporate Finance: Theory and Practice
Show steps
Review Corporate Finance theory to prepare for course.
View
EBOOK Fundamentals of Corporate Finance
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read Chapter 1 to get a general overview of corporate finance.
- Read Chapters 2 and 3 to review time value of money.
- Read Chapters 4 and 5 to provide a review of the different types of financial securities.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Read and analyze the textbook
Show steps
By studying the textbook, you can get a solid foundation in the principles of financial statement analysis.
View
The Little Book of Picking Top Stocks: How to...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read each chapter carefully and take notes.
- Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
- Attend class and participate in discussions.
Complete practice questions on financial statement analysis
Show steps
Answering practice questions can help you test your understanding of financial statement analysis.
Browse courses on
Financial Statement Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice questions in your textbook or online.
- Complete the practice questions and check your answers.
- Review the questions you answered incorrectly.
Attend a financial conference or webinar
Show steps
Attending a financial conference or webinar can help you learn more about financial statement analysis and network with other professionals.
Browse courses on
Financial Statement Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a financial conference or webinar that is relevant to financial statement analysis.
- Register for the conference or webinar.
- Attend the conference or webinar and take notes.
- Follow up with any contacts you made at the conference or webinar.
Review notes and practice problems
Show steps
Doing practice problems can help you apply the principles of financial statement analysis and improve your understanding.
Browse courses on
Financial Statement Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes from class and the textbook.
- Work through the practice problems in the textbook.
- Attend office hours and ask questions.
Write a summary of a financial statement
Show steps
Summarizing a financial statement can help you understand the key financial data and trends.
Browse courses on
Financial Statement Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a financial statement (e.g., balance sheet, income statement).
- Identify the key financial data and trends.
- Write a clear and concise summary.
Create a presentation on a financial ratio
Show steps
Creating a presentation on a financial ratio can help you understand how to calculate and interpret financial ratios.
Browse courses on
Financial Statement Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a financial ratio (e.g., current ratio, debt-to-equity ratio).
- Calculate the financial ratio using data from a financial statement.
- Interpret the financial ratio and explain its significance.
Career center
Learners who complete Financial Statement and Ratio Analysis for Accountants will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts interpret and prepare financial reports used by various individuals including investors, creditors, and company management. Many Financial Analysts work in the investment banking field. This course helps prepare for a career as a Financial Analyst by providing training on how to interpret and analyze financial statements. These skills are critical for the duties of a Financial Analyst.
Investment Banker
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers typically provide advice on corporate actions such as mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, and private placements of debt and equity. Understanding how to analyze firm financial statements is a critical component to Investment Banking. This course helps build a foundation and prepare for a career as an Investment Banker by helping students understand and interpret financial statements.
Equity Research Analyst
Equity Research Analyst
Equity Research Analysts produce investment research and make recommendations on stocks and companies. Understanding how to analyze firm financial statements is a critical component to this role. This course helps build a foundation and prepare for a career as an Equity Research Analyst by helping students understand and interpret financial statements.
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Managers make investment decisions for a portfolio of assets, which may include stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments. Understanding how to analyze firm financial statements is a critical component to Portfolio Management. This course helps build a foundation and prepare for a career as a Portfolio Manager by helping students understand and interpret financial statements.
Auditor
Auditor
Auditors examine and evaluate financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. Financial Statement and Ratio Analysis for Accountants may be useful for an Auditor as it provides valuable training in how to analyze and interpret financial information, aiding in the assessment of a company's financial health.
Credit Analyst
Credit Analyst
Credit Analysts assess the creditworthiness of individuals or companies seeking loans or other forms of credit. This course may be useful for Credit Analysts as it provides training in how to analyze financial statements, assisting in the evaluation of a borrower's financial health and ability to repay debt.
Consultant
Consultant
Consultants provide expert advice and guidance to businesses and organizations. Understanding how to analyze firm financial statements can be a valuable asset for a consultant, especially for those working on projects related to finance, strategy, or operations. This course can help consultants develop the skills needed to analyze and interpret financial information, equipping them to provide more informed advice to clients.
Financial Planner
Financial Planner
Financial Planners help individuals and families plan for their financial future by providing guidance on investments, retirement planning, and other financial matters. Financial Statement and Ratio Analysis for Accountants may be useful for Financial Planners as it provides valuable training in how to analyze and interpret financial information, aiding in the development of sound financial plans for clients.
Budget Analyst
Budget Analyst
Budget Analysts help organizations plan and manage their financial resources. This course may be useful for Budget Analysts as it provides training in how to analyze financial statements and evaluate the financial performance of an organization. This knowledge can assist Budget Analysts in making informed decisions about resource allocation.
Tax Accountant
Tax Accountant
Tax Accountants specialize in tax laws and regulations and help individuals and organizations comply with tax requirements. Financial Statement and Ratio Analysis for Accountants may be useful for Tax Accountants as it provides valuable training in how to analyze and interpret financial information, aiding in the preparation of accurate tax returns and advising clients on tax matters.
Risk Manager
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify, assess, and manage financial risks for organizations. Understanding how to analyze firm financial statements can be a valuable asset for a Risk Manager, as it helps in assessing the financial health of an organization and identifying potential risks. This course can help Risk Managers develop the skills needed to analyze and interpret financial information, enabling them to make informed decisions about risk management strategies.
Forensic Accountant
Forensic Accountant
Forensic Accountants investigate financial crimes and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings. Financial Statement and Ratio Analysis for Accountants may be useful for Forensic Accountants as it provides valuable training in how to analyze and interpret financial information, aiding in the detection and investigation of financial fraud and other financial crimes.
Internal Auditor
Internal Auditor
Internal Auditors evaluate the internal controls and financial reporting of an organization. Financial Statement and Ratio Analysis for Accountants may be useful for Internal Auditors, as it provides valuable training in how to analyze and interpret financial information. This knowledge can assist Internal Auditors in identifying and assessing risks within an organization's financial reporting process.
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officers ensure that organizations comply with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. Understanding how to analyze firm financial statements can be a valuable asset for a Compliance Officer, as it helps in assessing an organization's financial health and identifying potential compliance risks. This course can help Compliance Officers develop the skills needed to analyze and interpret financial information, enabling them to make informed decisions about compliance strategies.
Financial Controller
Financial Controller
Financial Controllers oversee the financial operations of an organization, including financial planning, budgeting, and accounting. Financial Statement and Ratio Analysis for Accountants may be useful for Financial Controllers as it provides valuable training in how to analyze and interpret financial information, aiding in the management of the organization's financial resources.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/35kgoo/financial
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Financial Statement and Ratio Analysis for Accountants.
This textbook provides in-depth and comprehensive coverage of financial reporting and analysis, making it a valuable reference for students in this course.
This practical guide offers insights into financial statement analysis from a practitioner's perspective, complementing the theoretical foundations covered in the course.
Simplifies the process of reading and understanding financial reports, providing valuable insights for beginners in the field.
This guide combines financial statement analysis with valuation techniques, providing a comprehensive understanding of how to assess a company's financial health and value.
This classic work on value investing provides timeless principles that are foundational to understanding financial analysis and making sound investment decisions.
Delves into the causes and consequences of corporate financial distress and bankruptcy, providing insights into financial statement analysis from a risk management perspective.
This practical guide teaches students how to use Microsoft Excel for financial analysis, enhancing their ability to apply the concepts learned in the course.
Combines financial statement analysis with security valuation, providing a comprehensive framework for assessing the financial health and value of companies.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/35kgoo/financial
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Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Instructors
Brian Hamm
Nerissa C. Brown, PhD CFE
Language
English
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